With stunning beaches and rich historical heritage, the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands offers something for everyone. From water sports to hiking trails with breathtaking views, the island is the quintessential paradise in the Caribbean, and the cultural hub of the BVI.
For many visitors to the BVI, Tortola is a springboard to one of the other islands as a final destination and because of this, Tortola is occasionally overlooked. However, this Caribbean Island has a lot to offer visitors so if you’re in the BVI for an extended stay and are keen to partake in island hopping, we can highly recommend a trip to the island for more than just a transit stopover. Tortola has something to offer everyone, from white sand beaches to bars, restaurants, hiking, water sports, and shopping.
The main settlement on the island is Road Town. Cruise ship visitors will arrive at Road Town, docking at the cruise ship port. If you’re coming to the BVI by air, then you’ll land at the main airport named Terrance B. Lettsome (EIS) which is on Beef Island. The island is on the east of the island and is connected to Tortola by a road bridge. The island itself is also well served by taxi cabs. Another key point to note is that if you are flying in and need taxi transportation, the island uses US dollars, even though it is in the BVI!
Another great reason to take a trip to Tortola and the BVI is that English is the official language, making it an easy place to visit for many visitors such as from Great Britain and the United States.
Chillout Charters is also located in Road Town, close to the cruise ship terminal. We offer a range of water services from our base in Tortola, including half-day and full-day charters, along with water taxi transport to the different islands in the BVI (such as Anegada and Norman Island) and the US Virgin Islands (USVI). Getting around the BVI is best done by either water taxi or ferry with the former being the easiest method since we can take you exactly where you need to go quickly and easily with one of our powerboats.
Beaches on Tortola
If you’re looking to spend time on a beach, then you won’t be disappointed with what Tortola has to offer. Most of the best beaches are on the north shore of the island, and here you’ll find a selection of fantastic white sand beaches that each offer something special and unique.
Josiah’s Bay is a popular spot for surfing, so if this is your sport this is perhaps the beach to head to. There is a surf school here so you can rent boards and take some lessons.
You’ll also find a beach bar where you can buy snacks and drinks. When the waters are calmer, it is a good spot for swimming, but the ways and tides can get a little rough for those not experienced so you need to exercise care. Are you looking for another surfing spot? Try Apple Bay which is a little fishing village on the west end of the north shore of Tortola.
Smuggler’s Cove Beach is an excellent choice for families since the waters are calm. While many of the beaches on Tortola are located in the north of the island, Smuggler’s Cove is located on the western side. Depending on whether there is a cruise ship in port, this beach can get a little busy since it is one of the destinations that is often on the shortlist for day-trippers. At other times this beach can be fairly quiet, and with its palm trees, looks like the quintessential picture-postcard paradise that you might imagine when thinking about a tropical escape. You’ll be able to pick up food and drinks here too. It’s definitely worth taking a trip to this beach if you like sea and sand. Need another great swimming beach? Try Brewers Bay Beach, on the north shore. It’s another great beach with great scenery.
If you are looking for a bit more of an active beach, we can recommend Cane Garden Bay which has access to plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops nearby. It features gentle waters making it good for swimming and there is even some surfing to be had here.
This is a popular location with families in the daytime and also for those looking for more of a bar scene in the evening. You also can hire water sports equipment on the beach. The beach is one of the best on Tortola (some rate it at the top of the list) so with that in mind, it can get busy.
If you are heading back to the airport for a flight and have a few hours spare, one option is to head out to Trellis Bay as this is on Beef Island and right by the beach. You can get food, and cocktails such as the locally famous Painkiller, and do some shopping. If you just want to relax it also has a great beach. Another great reason to come to Trellis Bay (even if you’ve not got a flight to catch) is to check out the monthly Full Moon Party that occurs here. Expect great Caribbean food, live bands, and a DJ that plays music late into the night.
Water Sports on Tortola
One of the great things about Tortola is that there are plenty of water sports and water-related activities to get involved with.
As we’ve hinted, surfing is a popular option on the island, but that is not the only available activity. Two other very popular sports are scuba diving and snorkeling. If you’re a qualified diver and are interested in scuba in the BVI then speak to Chillout Charters as we know all the best spots. The same goes for snorkeling, and we run several half-day and full-day charters around Tortola and the surrounding islands. While you can snorkel at one of the beaches around Tortola, we recommend heading out by boat to one of the many coral reefs or cays that surround the main islands. If you are into snorkeling then you really should check out the top spots such as The Caves, The Indians, and The Baths, which are all away from the main island of Tortola but still easily accessible by boat.
If you’re looking to learn to dive, then Tortola is a great location since there are several dive schools that you can go to which will teach you all you need to know. You can even get Padi qualified if you have the time and inclination.
Things to Do & Tortola Cultural Landmarks
No trip to Tortola would be complete without a visit to Callwood's Rum Distillery. Operating since the 18th century, this distillery produces Arundel Cane Rum. Stop by for a tour around the distillery to learn how rum is produced, try a sample, and perhaps pick up a bottle for your drinks cabinet.
Tortola Pier Park is located in the heart of Road Town, serves as a vibrant hub for shopping and restaurants, and is hard to miss if you’re coming to Tortola by cruise ship! This relatively new port is one of the premier destinations on Tortola for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Most people on vacation like to have one day where they hit the town for a bit of shopping and if that is something you enjoy then you can put this locale on your shortlist.
While you’re at Tortola Pier Park and in the mood for shopping why not take the short walk to Craft’s Alive Village? You’ll find work from local artisans and craftspeople. Pick up some BVI-made arts and crafts as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.
Mount Sage National Park, located on Tortola is named after the highest peak on the island. This national park features lush tropical forests and extensive hiking trails with great panoramic views. It’s well worth a trip for the scenery and if you like the great outdoors. The park is named after Sage Mountain which is the highest point in the BVI.
The Mount Healthy Windmill, located in Mount Healthy National Park, served as a part of the sugar processing chain, where slaves converted harvested cane into sugar. It lies in ruins now but is worth a trip to see it.
Chillout Charters
If you’re visiting the BVI then the best way to get around is to use the sea and our water taxi service or enjoy a day charter island hopping! We will transport you to where you need to go. Tortola is a great place to visit but it is often the starting point to other locations around the BVI, from St. Thomas and Jost Van Dyke to Peter Island and Virgin Gorda.
One of the best things you can do in the BVI is to take a half-day or full-day trip by boat. We offer a range of different day trips, from exploring some of the less populated islands to snorkeling and diving at the best sites in the BVI. Speak to Chillout Charters today to find out more about what we offer and how we can make your trip to the BVI one that you’ll remember for all the best reasons.